hearing the voice of God

I recently listened to a message entitled: "Christianity and the danger of mysticism." It was a warning to believers about using language like : " God said to me..." or " God told me...."
So, if we are to heed this warning what do we do with passages in Scripture where the word of God says: " He told me..." " He said to me..." ?

1. Isaiah 30:21 And your ears will hear a word behind you, " This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.


2. Acts 22:21 " And He said to me, 'Go ! For I will send you far away to the gentiles.'"


So it seems that people in the Bible heard God tell them to do things. Does God tell us to do things ? Yes, He obviously tells us things that are scripture verses. An example would be: " and this is the will of God that you __________________." We can say: " God said..." when we quote a Bible verse. Can we say: " God said," when we are talking about going into the teaching profession or starting a paint business ? How does God guide us ? Do we just consecrate ourselves to Him, reject unbiblical thinking, love our families and then.....do what we want ?

alternatives

I used to go for walks at night through the neighborhood and experienced what I call the "blue glow" effect. This described the colors coming through the windows of the homes from the television. I don't remember ever running into anyone on the streets at night ( maybe one person in 10 years). Most people are in their homes watching tv at night. Some nights... we are too. If you have to be in front of the box at night here are some ideas for redemptive television:

1. Homeless man ( the biography of Rich Mullins) 53 minute video

2. Return to Hauna ( parts 1 and 2) part 1 is Come by here ( the story of Marilyn Lazlo who went to Papua New Guinea to translate the Bible into a native language)

3. Louie Giglio messages ( available from North Point Community Alpharetta Ga)
"Indescribable" " Alive" " Tattoo"

4. Voddie Baucham messagaes " Children of Caesar" " Culture wars"
( see voddiebaucham ministries)

5. Beyond the Gates of splendor ( story of Jim Eliot) just google it


6. Transformations ( the sentinel group) documentaries about revivals in South America and Uganda



There's a part of us that just wants to be passively entertained from 8-10 pm. If this is you, try to find a way to learn during this time as well. One more note: this will cost you. It's not easy to find these things at blockbuster. However, if you want to fly with sparrows... just go outside, but if you want to find a bald eagle, you may have to climb awhile.

a glad heart

Deuteronomy 28:47-48

Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies...

The Lord has been showing me the need for joy in life, work and ministry. Why are we so petty and why do we complain about the smallest things ? I think because we are looking for joy in circumstances. If the joy that is in us is from the Lord, then nothing can smother it. If our joy is in good food, good feelings, good weather, good pay, no problems,etc... then we will constantly be floating in and out of joy.

the art of small talk

in response to my own post...

I do think there is a place for small talk and I don't think every single conversation has to be a deep theological discussion to meet the requirements for redeeming the time.

Stephen knew the Old Testament

I read Acts 6-7 this morning and found about 18 things about Stephen that I thought were noteworthy. In some ways, this feels like an outlet to me. I have a desire to share truth, but those outlets are different now. Here they are:


Stephen:

1. He had a good reputation. ( 6:3)

2. He was full of the Holy Spirit. ( 6:3)

3. He was full of wisdom ( 6:3)

4. He was reliable. ( 6:3)

5. He was full of faith. ( 6:5)

6. He was full of grace. ( 6:8)

7. He was full of power. ( 6:8)

8. He faced opposition/ criticism. ( 6:9,12)

9. He could not be refuted. ( 6:10)

10. He was lied about/ falsely accused. ( 6:13)

11. He was misunderstood. ( 6:13)

12. He was ready to testify. ( 7:1) see also I Peter 3:15

13. He was bold ( whole chapter)

14. He was informed of OT history and could quote OT passages at length.

15. He was willing to confront sin. ( 7:51)

16. In a crisis, he kept his eyes on Jesus. ( 7:55) ( He had eyes of faith to see Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father... did anyone else there see this ? )

17. When things turned ugly, he didn't change his mind to avoid pain /even death... he was willing to die for what he was convinced of. ( 7:58)

18. He was gracious to those who opposed him. ( 7:60)


Note: There are times when I read the word without a pen and paper and it still means something to me,however, when I write down what I read it adds so much. I can't say this enough: study with pen and paper. Write it down !

little by little

I found Deut 7:22 to be very encouraging. The Lord told His people that He would conquer the nations before them and give them the land... however, it would be little by little and not all at once. This verse helped me to grab a perspective on how God works.

knowing the future

Sometimes I ask people : " if you could know the future, would you want to know it ? "

Usually, they don't. You have chosen wisely. I think if we knew the future we would either get discouraged or become complacent. Recently I came across some good words for comfort in uncertain times...

Psalm 4:8 In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

Psalm 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.


2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.